Avocados Scientists may have found a helpful aid for those who struggle with keeping excess pounds off. If attacks of the munchies frequently descend upon you between meals, avocados may keep these weight-control villains away. A recent study shows this fruit can satisfy hunger pains and make people less likely to snack. Adding Half an Avocado to Lunch Curtails Afternoon Snacking In the research published in the November 2013 issue of the Nutrition Journal, researchers tested the effects of the inclusion of avocados in a meal on 26 healthy but overweight people. Those who added half an avocado to their lunch felt more satiated and less inclined to have a snack during the afternoon. The avocado eaters were 40 percent less likely to snack within a three-hour period following lunch and 28 percent less likely to snack within a five-hour period following lunch, compared to the control group who did not eat the fruit. Additionally, those who ate the avocados had a 26 percent higher likelihood of reporting meal satisfaction than the control group. Avocados May Help With Diabetes Researchers said the discovery may not only help with weight management but also assist with the prevention of type 2 diabetes. An interesting benefit observed was that although avocados increased the participants’ caloric and carbohydrate intake at lunch, it did not increase the blood sugar levels above what was noted after eating the standard lunch, lead author Dr. Joan Sabate says. “This leads us to believe that avocados’ potential role in blood sugar management is worth further investigation,” she states. 7 Health Benefits of Avocados But, of course, avocados come with so many health boosting properties. These new discoveries are the latest in a body of research that reveals multiple health benefits of avocados. The fruit is considered a perfect food and a superfood by many nutritionists because of its rich content of antioxidants and other valuable nutrients. Below are areas where it shows promise. Avocado on Side 1. Avocados Boost Heart Health Monounsaturated fats in avocados enhance heart health and reduce blood pressure. The vitamin B6 and folate content work together to prevent high levels of homocysteine, which is an indicator of impaired heart health. Additionally, the fruit has beta-sitosterol, a phytonutrient that lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides while elevating good cholesterol. 2. Avocados May Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease Risk The folate content can help prevent the formation of brain tangles that are a factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Avocados also have omega-3 fatty acids and natural vitamin E, both of which are beneficial for this disorder. 3. Avocados May Lend to Blood Sugar Control The high fiber found in avocados helps curtail blood sugar spikes, and the monounsaturated fats in the fruit can prevent or reverse insulin resistance. 4. Avocados Can Protect Eye Health Avocados contain the antioxidant lutein, a nutrient that helps protect against poor vision, macular degeneration and cataracts. 5. Avocados Come with Anti-Aging Benefits The fruit is a good source of glutathione, a compound that enhances proper functioning of the liver and nervous system. This master antioxidant is also needed for a strong immune system. 6. Avocados Offer Anti-Inflammatory Properties Inflammation is thought to play a central role in most non-contagious diseases. Avocadoes have an abundance of anti-inflammatory agents. 7. Avocados Can Help Ensure Fetal Health Avocados’ folate content fosters the normal development of the fetal brain and other vital organs. It is apparent that whether you want to improve your health or cut back on between-meal snacking, including avocados in your diet can be very beneficial. This fruit is likely one of the most healthful foods to incorporate into your meals. Sources: atlantablackstar/2014/01/13/eating-avocados-many-health-benefits/ cbsnews/news/eating-fresh-avocados-may-chase-away-hunger-pains/
Posted on: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 01:17:20 +0000
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